There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. — Ephesians 4:4-6

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“One”
By Jennifer Kane

One body—
Bound by love, knit together as one,
Each member a part, though we’re many, we’re one.

One Spirit—
Breath of life, gentle, yet strong,
Our Comforter, leading us home.

One hope—
Anchored deep, steadfast and true,
Through storms and valleys, we cling to You.

One Lord—
Sovereign and holy, exalted above,
Redeemer, Savior, the fullness of love.

One faith—
In trials, in triumph, unshaken we stand,
Trusting the promise, held in Your hand.

One baptism—
Buried with Christ, in Him we rise,
New life flowing, transformed by His light.

One Father—
God of glory, over all, through all, in all,
Our beginning, our end—forever enthralled.

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Paul calls us, as followers of Jesus, to live in a way that reflects our “oneness” in Him. He lays out our calling not only as individuals but as a collective body of believers — a unity formed not by human effort but by the Spirit. This is a unity that transcends culture, race, and even the traditions that often divide us. Our connection to each other is a supernatural gift, rooted in our shared identity as children of God.

When Paul says to “walk worthy of the calling with which you were called” (Ephesians 4:1), he’s calling us to embody this unity with humility, gentleness, patience, and love. These qualities reflect a heart that acknowledges our equal standing before God. Every believer, regardless of their journey or background, is part of the same “one body.” We are called to reflect Christ not by seeking control or asserting our own agendas, but by respecting and supporting each other as fellow members of His family.

Living as “one” requires humility and a forgiving heart. Just as Jesus bore our faults in love, Paul calls us to “bear with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2). This isn’t always easy. Unity means sometimes putting aside our preferences and learning to love others who may differ from us. But as Chrysostom once said, longsuffering is the spirit that has the power to take revenge but chooses not to; it’s marked by forgiveness and generosity. This mindset helps us to maintain the “unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3).

This unity is a reflection of God’s work in us. We don’t create it — God does, through His Spirit. Our role is to preserve it, protecting our fellowship from anything that could divide or weaken it.

The heart of this oneness is found in Ephesians 4:4-6, where Paul lists seven shared truths: one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one Father. These are more significant than any of our differences because they are rooted in our connection to Christ Himself. Paul’s words remind us that every believer is equally loved, equally valued, and equally called.

This “one body” means we are all interconnected; when one member rejoices, we rejoice with them. When one suffers, we bear that burden together. Jesus prayed that His followers “may be one as [He] and the Father are one” (John 17:21). This unity — grounded in love — is our witness to the world of God’s transformative love.

To walk worthy of this calling means daily choosing unity over division, humility over pride, love over hostility. Our unity is found in our common Savior and Father, a bond unbreakable by earthly standards. Let us, as Paul urges, seek to live in such a way that the oneness of Christ is evident to all. We are, after all, not just called to be part of the church — we are the church. And as we walk in unity, we reflect the very nature of God to the world.

So let’s look for ways to foster unity in our relationships with other believers. If you’re harboring any grievances or hurt, bring it before God and ask Him to help you bear with one another in love. Pray for a heart that seeks the good of others over your own desires.

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Lord, thank You for the precious gift of oneness that we have in You. You have knit us together as a family, bound not by our own strength but by the power of Your Spirit. Help us to walk each day in humility, bearing with one another in love, and reflecting the unity that comes from Your heart.

Father, may Your Spirit of peace dwell richly among us, soothing any conflicts, healing any wounds, and binding us together in bonds that cannot be broken by differences or misunderstandings. Teach us to see each other as You see us, with grace, compassion, and love, knowing that each one of us is a part of Your body, equally loved, equally valued, and equally cherished.

Lord Jesus, let us learn from Your example. Just as You bore our weaknesses and loved us sacrificially, teach us to bear with each other in patience, forgiving one another, and putting others’ needs above our own. Help us to let go of pride, self-interest, and any grievances we may carry, so that our hearts may be open to true fellowship with each other.

Guide us, Holy Spirit, to honor our shared faith and the calling You have placed on each of our lives. Let this unity be a powerful testimony to the world of Your love and mercy. May we be a church that shines brightly with Your love, one in heart and mind, so that others may see in us a reflection of Your eternal kingdom.

In all that we do, Lord, may we bring glory to You, our Father, who is over all, through all, and in all. Thank You for calling us to be Your people, united in purpose and love. Empower us to preserve this unity with gentleness, humility, and peace. Let us be one, as You are one. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

November 4 2024